Boyd Were of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has clinched the Kasipul parliamentary seat, stepping into the role left vacant by the passing of his father, Charles Ong’ondo Were.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed that Boyd secured 16,819 votes, comfortably defeating independent candidate Philip Aroko, who received 8,476 votes.
“The Kasipul Constituency By-Election Returning Officer, Rebecca Abwaku, declared Boyd Ongondo Were of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party the duly elected Member of National Assembly (MNA) for Kasipul Constituency after garnering 16,819 votes. Philip Nashon Aroko, an Independent candidate, finished second after securing 8,476 votes,” IEBC said in a statement issued at 4.13 am on November 28.
Boyd’s win came ahead of Aroko and Robert Riga, popularly known as Money Bior, who also ran as an independent.
A total of 10 candidates vied for the seat, including Collins Okeyo of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), Sam Rateng Okoth from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Linda Aoko Ouma (Independent), Isaac Kiche Abok (Independent), Omondi Ko’yoo of the National Liberal Party (NLP), Jesse Okello (Independent), and Robert Ouko.
Voting was conducted across 142 polling stations spread over the constituency’s five wards: Central Kasipul (33 stations), West Kamagak (27), South Kasipul (29), West Kasipul (34), and East Kamagak (19).
The victory reinforces ODM’s presence in the Luo Nyanza region, a stronghold historically influenced by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Candidates had run vigorous campaigns ahead of the polls, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the election.
Support for Boyd Were was bolstered by prominent ODM leaders, including party leader Oburu Odinga, ODM chair Gladys Wanga, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma. The leaders spent several days in Kasipul, appealing to residents to honour Raila Odinga’s legacy through their votes.
Despite facing strong competition from Philip Aroko, who commanded notable local support, Boyd Were’s campaign proved decisive. The outcome signals a consolidation of ODM’s influence in the constituency and underscores the importance of party backing in by-elections.
